Remembering the Kindness of God at Christmas

Jesus Christ, the baby born in the manger, was also the man risen from the grave on our behalf. There is no greater story to be told or song to be sung.

The kindness of God was sent to earth to live the life we could never live and die the death we should have died. The kindness of God sent One Child to save all men. The kindness of God fulfills the prophecies and predictions of the Old Testament through the baby in swaddling clothes in the New Testament.

The kindness of God is even seen in us during Christmastime since, after all, we have been created in His image. We put a coin in the bell ringer’s bucket, we buy an extra toy for a child in need, and we open our arms and give gifts to our family and friends. Christmas brings out the kindness in us because the season is a picture of the kindness of God.

Though we have been created in His image, we are still vastly different.

God is all-knowing, perfect, and without any equal in the universe. We are forgetful, sinful and common – walking the path billions have walked before.

How can these two ever meet? He has no needs while I have numerous needs. He is perfect and I’m far from it. He is God and I’m just Gregg.

The two opposites of God and man meet in the birth of one child, Jesus. These two opposites meet because of the kindness of God – a kindness that is deeper than a token or a passing nod. His kindness shines from the manger to the cross to the empty tomb.

God offers to us a relationship with Him through Jesus. Romans 2:4 asks, “Or do you despise the riches of His kindness … not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

We have all rejected the kindness of God by choosing our own way. We have intentionally selected actions that do not please Him. We have sinned. But instead of being left to fend for our selves, God sent Jesus on that Christmas morn. When He had every right to leaves us in our sin, He sacrificed His Son. His kindness is intended to lead us to repentance. Relationship with God, right standing with God, forgiveness before God all come through the kindness of God in Christ Jesus.

So, we are left with a choice to reject or accept the Child God has sent. We can’t do enough to earn it. We just receive it. True kindness isn’t earned. It is simply received.

If you desire to respond to the kindness of God in Christ, He is offering you forgiveness, salvation and friendship. Pray with your heart:

Jesus, I have sinned and chosen the wrong path time after time. I come now to place my belief and faith in You as the Son of God and my Savior. In faith, I believe you died and rose again for me. Forgive my sins and wash me clean. I trust you to be my Savior.In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer for the first time, or have already received God’s gift of salvation, I encourage you to keep growing in your relationship with Christ. One of the best ways to do that is by connecting with any of the wonderful Bible-believing and Bible-teaching churches in our city.

I pray that you would truly experience the kindness of God this Christmas, and that you would be a reflection of His kindness to others, as well.